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Gallo-Roman Barge Unearthed in Arles Offers Unprecedented Glimpse into Ancient Life
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A remarkably well-preserved 1st-century CE Roman barge, discovered in the Rhône River near Arles, France, is now on display after a decade-long excavation and restoration project. The vessel, known as the Arles-Rhône 3 wreck, provides an remarkable window into the daily life and trade practices of the Roman Empire.
The story of the Arles-Rhône 3 began in 2004 with initial surveys, leading to a full-scale excavation initiated in 2008. Archaeological campaigns quickly revealed the wreck’s notable scientific and cultural value. Among approximately fifteen wrecks documented in the river around Arles, this particular vessel was selected for recovery and public exhibition. The complex operation culminated in 2011 with the barge’s excavation and recovery, a pivotal moment in French archaeology.
A Project Rooted in Cultural Ambition
The ambitious undertaking,costing nine million euros and spanning three years (2011-2013),was spearheaded by the General Council of Bouches-du-Rhône in partnership with the Department of Underwater Archaeological research (Drassm). The project coincided with Marseille-Provence’s designation as a European Capital of Culture in 2013, highlighting the region’s rich historical heritage. Beyond the physical recovery of the 31-meter-long barge, the project encompassed extensive restoration work and a significant expansion – approximately 800 square meters – of the Arles Antique Departmental Museum (MDAA) to accommodate the exhibit.
Did you know? – The Arles-Rhône 3 wreck, a Roman barge, was discovered in the Rhône River.It offers a rare look into Roman life. The barge’s excavation and restoration took a decade, revealing artifacts and insights into ancient trade and daily routines. it is now on display.
Meticulous Excavation and recovery
The excavation and recovery, conducted in 2011, involved a collaborative team from the MDAA, divers, archaeologists, and restoration specialists from the O’Can – Ipso Facto group, alongside restorers from ARC-Nucléart and A-Corros. Over seven months, from April 13th to November 16th, 2011, teams excavated and sieved thru 900 cubic meters of sediment from the ancient port area where the wreck lay.
Pro tip: – The excavation of the Arles-Rhône 3 involved a team of experts. They meticulously documented the site. Around 3,000 artifacts were recovered.The wreck was refloated in sections using a custom-designed system. This careful process ensured the preservation of the historical find.
Despite challenging visibility, archaeologists meticulously documented the site stratigraphically and planimetrically. Around 3,000 artifacts recovered from the excavation were carefully conserved and transported to the museum for detailed study and cataloging. The wreck itself was refloated in ten sections using a custom-designed metal cradle and lifting system developed by the O’Can company.
Unveiling the Secrets of the Past
Following the excavation, the wooden components of the wreck underwent extensive documentation, including a detailed 3D survey conducted by Ipso Facto utilizing a C-Track 780©creaform. This data, alongside analysis from archaeologists and dendrologists, informed the subsequent restoration process. The final excavation phase revealed a remarkably complete vessel, with 94% of the hull intact.
Reader question: – What was found on the barge? Discoveries included a towing mast, firewood, and probe poles. Also, a large rope, graffiti, and votive currency were found. These items offer insight into the barge’s function and the lives of those who used it.
Significant discoveries included a towing mast, firewood, probe poles, a
